TY - THES

T1 - Application of Exoskeletons in Logistics and Manufacturing

AU - Li, Yasmin Xinyue

N1 - no embargo

PY - 2022

Y1 - 2022

N2 - Influencing factors such as digitalisation, sustainability, a shortage of skilled workers and demographic change are reshaping the role of people in modern production and logistics systems. As a result, technologies that contribute significantly to improving ergonomics in work systems are being investigated in research as well as in industry. In addition to increasing performance, they should reduce the constant strain on muscles and joints. Exoskeletons are a promising technology for use in production and logistics processes, which is why systematic research into them is the focus of this thesis. Currently, there is no standard procedure for the multidimensional evaluation of the process performance of exoskeletons, so the aim of this work is to identify suitable measurement parameters and methods for the evaluation through a systematic literature review. Subsequently, selected measurement variables and methods are evaluated in the context of a laboratory experiment and thus their applicability is discussed. Furthermore, the possible increase in performance in the processes in which exoskeletons are used will be measured on the basis of determined key figures and consequently the achieved added value of the implementation will be determined. The findings from the laboratory experiment are discussed and possible designs for further field studies are proposed.

AB - Influencing factors such as digitalisation, sustainability, a shortage of skilled workers and demographic change are reshaping the role of people in modern production and logistics systems. As a result, technologies that contribute significantly to improving ergonomics in work systems are being investigated in research as well as in industry. In addition to increasing performance, they should reduce the constant strain on muscles and joints. Exoskeletons are a promising technology for use in production and logistics processes, which is why systematic research into them is the focus of this thesis. Currently, there is no standard procedure for the multidimensional evaluation of the process performance of exoskeletons, so the aim of this work is to identify suitable measurement parameters and methods for the evaluation through a systematic literature review. Subsequently, selected measurement variables and methods are evaluated in the context of a laboratory experiment and thus their applicability is discussed. Furthermore, the possible increase in performance in the processes in which exoskeletons are used will be measured on the basis of determined key figures and consequently the achieved added value of the implementation will be determined. The findings from the laboratory experiment are discussed and possible designs for further field studies are proposed.

KW - Exoskelett

KW - Messmethoden

KW - Ergonomie

KW - Literaturrecherche

KW - Laborstudie

KW - Logistik

KW - Exoskeleton

KW - Physical assistance device

KW - Measurement methods

KW - Ergonomics

KW - Laboratory study

KW - Literature review

KW - Logistics

M3 - Master's Thesis

ER -